In a heartbreaking turn of events during Saturday night’s game against North Alabama, Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis was carted off the field with an air cast on his left leg after a first-quarter run. Travis, a crucial leader for the team, faced an unsettling injury as his leg bent at an awkward angle upon landing.
The incident occurred when Travis crossed midfield, met by converging North Alabama players, resulting in a tackle that left him prone on the turf. Trainers swiftly attended to the injured quarterback, and a somber atmosphere descended upon the sold-out Florida State crowd.
Teammates, visibly stunned, took a knee as a cart was brought onto the field for Travis. With an air cast secured on his leg, he was loaded onto the cart, prompting the crowd to chant “Jordan Travis.” Following the carting off the field, Travis was immediately placed into an ambulance.
Coach Mike Norvell, after the 58-13 victory, expressed the emotional toll of witnessing Travis’ injury on Senior Night. Norvell acknowledged Travis’s significance, not only as a quarterback but as a symbol for the team. Despite having no immediate update on Travis’s injury, Norvell praised the team’s ability to rally and continue playing at a high level.
Tate Rodemaker, Travis’s backup for the past two seasons, stepped in after the injury and delivered an impressive performance. He threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, contributing to Florida State’s 58 unanswered points.
Travis, from what appeared to be a hospital bed, shared updates on Instagram, indicating he was watching the game on a cellphone. The quarterback has been instrumental in leading Florida State to an undefeated season and securing the No. 4 ranking. In his sixth year, Travis has evolved into one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, showcasing both running and passing skills in 16 consecutive victories.
Coach Norvell, reflecting on Travis’s last game at Doak Campbell Stadium, expressed the desire for him to have a special moment. While acknowledging the emotional impact of Travis’s injury, Norvell praised Rodemaker’s readiness for the opportunity ahead, emphasizing his preparation throughout the season.
With a significant game against rival Florida on the horizon, Florida State faces the challenge of closing out the regular season undefeated without their star quarterback. Norvell expressed confidence in Rodemaker’s abilities and commended his poise during the critical moments of the game.